The family of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has alleged that President Bola Tinubu has not honored a promise made to secure Kanu’s release.
Kanu’s brother, Kanunta, revealed that an agreement was reached with Tinubu’s son, Seyi, during the buildup to the 2023 presidential election. Kanunta stated that the discussions were approved by the president and involved a commitment to release Kanu in exchange for IPOB refraining from boycotting the elections.
In a statement, Kanunta explained that Seyi Tinubu, representing his father, assured him that any agreement they reached would be binding on the then-presidential candidate. Following their discussions, Kanunta communicated the arrangement to his brother, who upheld IPOB’s tradition of avoiding election disruptions. Tinubu himself publicly reaffirmed this commitment during his campaign visit to Owerri.
However, Kanunta expressed disappointment that nearly two years into Tinubu’s presidency, Kanu remains in detention, despite no charges against him. He also highlighted delays in judicial proceedings, citing the recusal of Justice Binta Nyako from the case and the subsequent lack of a replacement judge.